Chiroptical techniques

Chiroptical techniques are methods used to study how chiral molecules—those that have a specific "handedness"—interact with polarized light. These techniques, such as circular dichroism and optical rotation, measure how the molecules absorb or rotate light differently depending on their orientation. This information helps scientists determine the structure, concentration, and purity of chiral substances, which is especially important in pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, and materials science. By analyzing these light interactions, researchers gain insights into the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within molecules, aiding in understanding their function and properties.